And honestly, what’s not to love about the Fall months? Between soft earthy tones in your bouquet, leaves still on the trees for your first look and temperatures that leave you comfortable outside all day long and into cocktail hour as the sunsets, it’s a complete win-win for you AND your guests!

Courtney + Mike’s wedding was our first at the Accelerator Space, one of Baltimore’s newest wedding venues; 2017 was their opening year! This incredible venue sits just north of downtown Baltimore, south of the Senator Theater near Belvedere Square on York Road. I could go on and on about my favorite aspects of this venue, but that’ll have to be a separate post… 😉 let’s just say the worn character-filled wood floor, the industrial windows (and multiple skylights!) let in the perfect amount of natural light to invoke a gorgeous glow during the ceremony and the elevated outdoor teak-enclosed patio sitting among the rooftops of the neighborhood, provide a beautifully designed retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life yet with the charm, character and edgy modern look Baltimore should celebrate and show-off.

It was quite a way to kick things off… these 2 sweethearts were so sweet and easygoing from the moment we met and I can’t sing their praises enough!

They incorporated so much personality and meaning into their wedding day… Courtney’s bridal jewelry included a series of frog brooches since her grandmother loved collecting them, Mike designed and built their chuppah and the napkins at each placesetting were hand tied with eucalyptus by Courtney’s mom, since greenery (and lots of it!) was the perfect choice to help soften the industrial chic space.

I also absolutely LOVED that Courtney wore a fascinator headpiece. It added so much romance and timelessness to her look!!!

I’m just going to put this out there right now: using eucalyptus as a theme throughout your florals is my absolute favorite and something that I hope never goes away. Please and thank you. Not just because of the beauty of it, but because it smells AH-MAZING, is so durable, versatile and striking, yet simple.

Their family and friends were the absolute sweetest group and a lot of fun… how much fun? Just check out the groomsmen with their cigars and ‘tude walking along the side of the Accelerator Space… (shoutout to the best second photographer in all the land – Anthony captured them and crushed some of my favorite groomsmen portraits)!

Father daughter first look emotions? Nothing compares.

Well, the first look may run a close second… the raw emotion captured during every first look we’ve been a part of far outweighs anything I’ve seen when brides walk down the aisle. Just being honest. Private moments together are so few and far between on your wedding day, why not take advantage and preserve this feeling (with all of its anxiety, excitement and pure joy) for your grandchildren to see?

This chuppah is giving me all the feels, mainly because Mike cut down the trees himself to construct it and assembled it all on site the morning before the wedding… WHAT. #husbandgoals

I have to say the speeches were the most moving and heartwarming words I’ve ever heard during a wedding… not a dry eye existed.

The theme of the night was F-U-N and when the evening culminated in the traditional Jewish hora dance, everyone was there!

Jamillah of Taste This Cake made this beauty – her bakery is downstairs from the Accelerator Space, in B-More Kitchen! It doesn’t get much more local and tasty than that.

And then this happened…

Courtney + Mike, I hope your marriage is as sweet and sentimental as your wedding day was! It was an absolute joy to be a part of your love story – we can’t wait to see you grow old together… MAZEL TOV!!

So, it’s mid-January and I’m still waiting for a good snowstorm! The cold temperatures are still here and so I’ve been lucky enough to stay warm and busy with styled shoots, email management (keep those new inquiries coming, friends! I’m so excited for y’all!), website/workflow updating and a rebranding effort that has made the shorter days go even quicker than I’d like!

I’m continually amazed by how small a world it is and how paths cross at exactly the right time and place… Mary Pat found us while working with Courtney of Moore & Co. right after we collaborated on a styled shoot at the Accelerator Space. I’m so excited to feature one of my favorite waterfront weddings today; specifically one of my long-distance #urpcouples that travelled from Massachusetts to get married in Baltimore!!

Mary Pat grew up in the Baltimore area and wanted to marry Jonathan at a local venue that had breathtaking views of the harbor for all their guests to enjoy. As a couple that loves adventure and being outdoors together, they were planning a beautiful waterfront ceremony on the pier. Mother Nature had other plans as constant rain dashed any hopes of an outdoor ceremony that day… however, I have to say, I’ve never seen a more confident bride and a more festive getting ready suite within the Four Seasons Hotel! We persevered and had an even better first look location to capture those giddy emotions…

Without further ado, my favorite moments and expressions from their day!

When the junior bridesmaid dress color perfectly matches the frosted glass divider walls on the balcony… getting ready at the Four Seasons Hotel is layered in gorgeousness.

Mary Pat’s grandparents’ names are on a plaque along the wall of St. Leo’s Church in Little Italy… so it was the perfect spot for a rainy day first look! Covered, romantic, diffused lighting and full of so much meaning.

Their indoor ceremony on the 3rd floor of the Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Museum was so beautifully elegant – all organized and executed by the fabulous team of Moore & Co. Event Stylists…

Absolutely LOVED all of the shades of green and ivory on top of so many different linens that made up their tablescape… it was a stunning way to bring the outside in! Not to mention that uplighting by Event Dynamics!!

Big Ray & the Kool Kats put on quite a show… and even to everyone’s surprise, played a Taylor Swift song that the girls and Mary Pat performed to on the spot!

MP + Jonathan, we were absolutely thrilled to have the honor of capturing your incredible day and look forward to hearing about all of the future family adventures you share together!!

Happy Wedding Wednesday to you! Although in all honesty, I’m still completely thrown off with what day it is this week – is anyone else? Please tell me I’m not alone…?! New Year’s Day falling on a Monday has been quite confusing for my brain, ha!

The one thing that is very clear to me though, is how rewarding and wonderful it is to consistently work with such talented teams of wedding vendors in Baltimore and the surrounding areas… our 2nd vendor spotlight (peep the first one here if you missed it!) showcases Blush Floral Design Studio, and owner/designer, Linda Montuori!

I feel so lucky to have been introduced to Linda and her stunning work while designing a photoshoot with Courtney of Moore & Co. Event Stylists. As part of the Be More Inspired collective of wedding professionals, Courtney and Linda have worked together many times; as soon as I showed Courtney my vision for the greenery-filled bouquet, she recommended working with Blush… I couldn’t be happier and definitely shrieked with excitement when she first showed me a sneak peek of this amazing fern-filled bouquet that simply overflowed with texture and industrial elegance!!

What led you to pursue a career in floral design?

I started my career in floral design after working in marketing for several years. As most people do at one time or another, I went through a phase of wondering what I wanted to do when I grew up. I always loved visiting local florist shops when traveling through a new town or city. If it had a great window display, I was in! I always felt so inspired seeing unique flowers and designs (and there is nothing like the smell of a floral shop).

Eventually, I stopped into my local florist and literally begged for a job. I started out washing buckets, taking orders, and over time, I learned all aspects of running a florist shop. But my world changed when I started designing!

I decided to start my floral design business specializing in weddings. After my wedding business started to flourish while working out of my garage studio, I moved my studio into a beautiful building that I now share with other wedding professionals.

Every week I meet with amazing couples who put their trust in me to create fabulous floral designs for their wedding! I am truly blessed.

What is your favorite aspect about working with engaged couples and within the wedding industry?

I always ask my couples how they met. I find their stories to be fascinating and I definitely believe in fate!

What is one piece of advice you’d share with the bride and groom to keep in mind during the wedding planning process?

Keep it personal! Hire vendors that you trust and then turn it over to them to take the stress off.

What are some creative ways couples can stay within their budget when it comes to their wedding florals?

My advice is to focus on three floral focal points… the bouquets, a ceremony focal point and your centerpieces. Other elements are great to add but are not a necessity when working on a budget (i.e., bar arrangements, powder room, cocktails etc.). Also, be open and let your floral designer use your Pinterest inspiration as a springboard to a new original interpretation specifically for you.

Where would you go if you were planning a honeymoon right now?

Right now? I would choose adventure mixed with relaxation, so today, I would choose Switzerland (if you ask me during the peak of wedding season, I might say just put me in a beach chair and don’t make me move). 🙂

Where do you find inspiration?

I might see something in a magazine or on Pinterest or in a store that just catches my eye and before long I am in my studio trying to recreate it with my own twist. I love an afternoon with my design staff where I present an idea that is in my head and we try to figure it out. They inspire me!

Favorite recent read or must-listen-to podcast?

I can’t live without my kindle. I love to read historical fiction! I just finished a great book called Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, which was inspired by the life of a real world war II heroine. I also enjoy a good love story!

Any exciting upcoming projects or collaborations we should be on the lookout for?

Looking forward to spring wedding season starting soon! One of my 2017 spring weddings was featured on Artfully Wed in September!

Thanks again for sharing your time and talent with us, Linda! I love hearing how a keen interest led you to develop your passion into the successful business it is today and look forward to capturing your florals as part of future Urban Row couples’ weddings!!

What types of vendors are YOU interested in learning more about? Questions about all the things event designers/planners have a hand in? Looking for an experienced caterer that can accommodate dietary restrictions while still presenting a deliciously unique and memorable menu for you and your guests?

Send me an email and let me know the vendor spotlights to focus on moving forward (naomi@urbanrowphoto.com)! I love collaborating and sharing my experiences with the most talented, local Baltimore wedding industry pros I’ve worked with and meeting new ones to learn from!

As we quickly approach the official start of 2018, I couldn’t help but TRY to get one last blog post up… eeeeeek! If I’m making any resolutions whatsoever, it’s to check more blog posts off my list. Annie’s face says it all:

Considering I’m WAY behind in sharing all the beautiful love that made up Urban Row’s 2017 weddings and engagements, I’m going to spread the love out over a few summary posts in the coming days/weeks before I get to the full posts! …you’re welcome. 😉

But before doing our annual ‘best of’ series (as in… 3 new posts, coming at ya in the form of 2017’s best of love stories, best of details and best of small businesses), I thought it’d be fun to share some of the numbers behind the pretty pictures!

We had a lot of milestone firsts this year, including traveling to Italy to document Maggie + Ben’s Cinque Terre wedding in May – an amazing trip in SO. MANY. WAYS!

We welcomed 3 times as many URP couples to the family as we did in 2016… and 2018 is right on track with record numbers, a booth at 2 bridal shows/venue open houses in January, a super exciting new brand aesthetic to be revealed, an updated and revamped bridal guide hitting mailboxes soon for our 2018 couples and lots of behind-the-scenes business education efforts being invested in…!I can’t wait to see where 2018 takes us! I’m so crazy excited to make creative magic behind the camera at new venues and returning to established ones, with new lovebirds and recent newlyweds heading towards the first anniversary and with the help of experienced vendors and new movers and shakers in the always evolving wedding industry… CHEERS to making memories together!!!

photos delivered: 8,293

business miles driven: 3,672

blog/media features: 8

vendors collaborated with: 168 (!)

rain during a session/wedding: 3

awesome photos during/after rain at a session/wedding: 3

international weddings captured: 1

behind the scenes shoot at Fox 45: 1

cakes smashed on #urpbrides faces: 1

grooms that got iced during introductions: 1

live bands we jammed to at #urpcouples receptions: 3

advils consumed at the end of wedding nights to ease sore muscles: 42

all the joyful, emotional moments we were a part of: too many to count!

I wish you all a fun, festive and fabulous start to 2018; here’s hoping our paths may cross more than once…

As we head into engagement season (yes, it’s a thing – this Vogue article made me laugh!), I wanted to share my top 5 reasons why engagement sessions are so valuable… since after being in this industry for awhile, I’ve answered all of the questions below and you might be wondering the same thing!

“Do we really need an engagement session? We already have our save the dates designed so we don’t need them for that.”

“We were going to have Uncle John/my best friend/my brother take them because they can’t wait to try out the new camera they just got and have taken a few photos of us before…”

“We have a really tight budget. Can we eliminate them from our wedding package to save money?”

“My fiance really isn’t going to be into it…”

“I’d rather have my teeth cleaned than stand and pose in front of the camera with a stranger.”

Hold on, I NEED TO STOP THIS LIST RIGHT THERE and say this:
I can promise you by the end of our session I’ll have you laughing, snuggling up and holding hands more naturally than you ever thought possible. Strangers will be smiling at you (if we’re in a more public place) and I will be cheering you on as you feel silly and laugh yet look like you belong on the cover of the magazine that would exist if GQ and Vogue merged into one fancypants stylish publication for BOTH of you.

I love engagement sessions with my couples!! I think they are so valuable to our entire experience together that they are complimentary in all of Urban Row Photography’s wedding packages. My goal is to always give you the most enjoyable experience and professional coverage for your wedding day and I don’t want to give you anything less than my best!

Our time together during an engagement session functions like a rehearsal for your wedding portraits!

That’s right… the rehearsal for your wedding day *photos* happens months in advance of the actual rehearsal dinner fun. 😉 The connection we make helps me learn the quirks and unique gestures that you and your fiance have together; it helps both of you become comfortable around me and in front of the camera. This helps me capture you both in the most natural, flattering and authentic poses at both the session as well as your big day!

Helpful hint: if you really want it to feel like a true dry run, try coordinating your session with your hair and makeup trials; it will allow you the chance to see how they show up in photos and BONUS… you’ll feel extra glamorous and confident! 🙂

The timing for an engagement session is generally early on in the process when stress levels are low and excitement is high. (#whycanteverydaybelikethat?)

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the wedding day details, planning, guest count decisions, etc, that another reason I enjoy engagement sessions is that it’s time for you and your love to be in the moment with each other with no additional stress of the next planning deadline to occur or finding time to make sure you are in touch with Aunt Martha from California. It’s just you two in a place that’s full of meaning to you!

Helpful hint: the location of your session is next in importance to taking engagement photos in the first place!! This is where the fun begins! Are you envisioning an urban look to your photos? Maybe downtown along the waterfront?

This moment in time is unlike one that will ever happen again. It’s the beginning of your family’s love story.

Think about it; your life’s path has now been forever altered in the best way possible. You deserve to to have gorgeous, timeless photos to share and show to your loved ones years from now. Sharing how you both looked, felt and even what you wore when you officially began your journey together is so important. It’s not a phase or a season you’ll ever get back and I’m pretty sure your kids will love looking through your engagement photos while hearing you tell your version of the proposal story. Heck, I’ve heard my parents story 17 times but I’ve yet to see a photo from that period in their lives… and I so wish I could!

Bringing your pet to the wedding may not be feasible. So furry friends are welcome at your engagement shoot and actually… ENCOURAGED!

Your little fur-baby plays such a large part in your life and they are generally absent on your big day for logistical reasons (although I’d LOVE it if they were there! Who is planning to have their pet included in their wedding day and/or ceremony!? Let’s TALK!!). So, I love when my couples include some time during their engagement photos to involve their pets. Let’s be honest, when was the last time all 3 of you got behind the camera together? Those first ‘family’ photos become just as important a keepsake as your wedding ones!

pups always steal the show!

Helpful hint: feel free to bring Max with you but since dogs aren’t able to understand all the benefits of a 60-90 minute engagement shoot, plan to have a family member or friend available to hand them off to once we’ve taken some key shots. 😉

My FAVORITE compliments following engagement sessions are from the grooms telling me how they weren’t expecting to have so much fun during the shoot!

I sometimes receive comments from my brides that the groom-to-be is a little bashful or uncomfortable in front of the camera. Well, this is obviously a GREAT reason to have the session. Practice makes perfect, right? It’s a wonderful test run in front of the camera looking into each others eyes and forgetting about everything else. My job is to make this easy for you and capture those easily forgotten candid glances, the nose wrinkles when he makes you laugh and then cracks up himself…

a Univ. of Maryland College Park engagement

Focused time with your bling.Since your fiancé spent a ton of time (and $$$) on it!

Everyone asks to see the ring once you’re engaged and I love taking a few moments to showcase your new sparkly bits! New, antique, unique, I love seeing them all and learning more about your proposal story and why that specific ring was chosen by your fiancé.

These are just a few reasons why I not only enjoy capturing your love during the time you’re an engaged couple, but also why I feel it is so, so important. Just like our first meeting, the engagement session is a powerful way for our relationship to grow as we gear up for your wedding. We spend so much time together on your wedding day, it’s almost fitting that we have a fun photo ‘date’ before the big day!

It’s hard to describe how much of a connection I felt with Nicole + Bryan as I got to know such wonderful people… I miss them so much now that their day is over, but luckily, have these photos to share and relive each and every adorable moment, expression and glance! Their love is so genuine and gentle, honest and playful… throughout their engagement and wedding day, it was so obvious how in love they are and perfect for each other!!

We chatted about our love for Charm City during our first meeting, laughed our way along the waterfront during their engagement photos (and here, see their feature on United with Love!) and made the most of their incredibly romantic and elegant wedding day at the American Visionary Art Museum – one of my FAVORITE places in Baltimore!

Never let a drizzly day get you down… these moments go to show you how much fun umbrellas and diffused light can be!

Bryan and his groomsmen were so fun to capture – they couldn’t stop laughing and telling jokes but yet looked so perfectly dapper while doing so!

The definition of the most fun, vibrant, playful, iconic and unique wedding venue in Baltimore! AVAM never disappoints!!!

This may be one of my favorites of the day… absolutely filled with pure joy!!!

I loved how perfectly Nicole chose bridesmaid dresses that coordinated with the American Visionary Art Museum’s mosaic colors!! And then her sister/MOH’s dress being patterned yet in the same color family – so fun, unique and a dress that can be worn again…? win, Win, WIN!

We made sure to have time to sneak upstairs without guests seeing us before the ceremony, to capture more romantic portraits (ps – there can never be enough if you ask me!)… the catwalk of the AVAM has amazing light that pours through the small window openings!

I love seeing the unique angles my second shooter captures while I’m down on the ground and in the ceremony action! How many couples can say their ceremony includes a fluffy pink poodle named Fifi, a hot air balloon and an elephant (can you spot them all below?)!

I can’t get over how GORGEOUS Nicole’s cathedral veil is!! She only wore it during the ceremony since it was drizzling outside during our portrait time… I just love how much more romantic it made this moment!

I wanted to just bottle up Nicole’s energy, smile, and incredible warmth…!

Who knew umbrellas made things so romantic? 🙂

The inside of the JVRC banquet room is such a special space – it doesn’t need much decoration to make it shine! The warmth of the brick was highlighted with some simple uplighting and the exposed wood structure was the perfect backdrop for their elegant ivory and light blue hydrangea tablescapes.

The speeches were so heartfelt and heartwarming, I just loved seeing Nicole + Bryan reacting to her sister and his best friend’s words! And how neat is that “guest book” idea to use a framed print of Baltimore?!

These fun and festive wedding guests were absolutely amazing; guest group selfies are my new favorite ‘candid’ reception moment to capture!!

Is there a contest for cutest grandma dancing photo that I could enter this into? Because I’m pretty sure this one would win… 🙂

Rather than using sparklers for their exit, Nicole’s mom planned an exit that used LED wands and allowed for such a fun and interactive way to send off the newlyweds! I loved this ‘Charm Car‘ golf cart that brought us to our iconic night portrait locations!!

Nicole + Bryan, we absolutely loved having the honor of capturing your day and getting to know you both throughout the process! I hope your honeymoon in Fiji was the relaxing treat you deserved!!! Here’s to many, many more years of making charming memories together!

I always love to hear the words my couples use to describe their wedding day vision when we meet for the first time… I’ll never forget when Mandi + Miles answered “modern, fun… a really good party for our guests” and oh yeah, a touch of classy rowdiness. 😉 Which is exactly how I’d describe one of the most memorable moments of their Legg Mason Tower wedding (heck probably of our 2017 season): when Mandi ICED Miles…!!!

And he took it like the champ he is. 🙂

Since their first date was in July and they got engaged lakeside in Orlando in July, they obviously had to get married in July. To have a July wedding in Baltimore takes a certain tolerance for heat and humidity, but this year was different: it was absolutely beautifully temperate with a slight breeze off the water.

Hold up… let’s backup to the start of the day with the most exquisite Martina Liana wedding dress, rich emerald details and the BEST groomsmen gifts ever!

Custom personalized bobbleheads for the win!!!

When it was time for the first look, the sun was out, and so were the most adorable lovebirds…

A wedding at the Legg Mason Tower in Harbor East means incredible harbor views out of the glass walls and a ballroom easily transformed into an intimate and romantic space with the use of draping, beautiful uplighting and patterned table linens that pulled it all together.

Charlotte, you seriously give Mandi a run for her money with your sense of style!!

Speaking of style… #squadgoals x 1,000!!

In case you wanted me to try, I don’t have enough words to describe how hard the ladies of Lemon & Lime Event Design worked to setup the 180+ calligraphy-ed champagne escort cards (gorgeously done by mlc design!) quietly in a matter of minutes… they are wedding wizards and always laughing, smiling and dancing throughout the organized chaos! I love, love, love working with them and can’t recommend them enough. To all of my #urpbrides, do yourself a favor and HIRE THEM.

Capturing Grandmas that party: reason #32,798 why I love this job.

Another vendor recommendation comin’ at ya: Go-Go Gadjet will ROCK your party and keep people talking about the *concert* I mean… wedding dance party they attended, for MONTHS to come!!! They were insanely entertaining but I’ll spare you more words about the drum show part of their performance and instead, let the photos speak for themselves. 😉

Congratulations again Mandi + Miles!!! We loved being a part of your wedding day and can’t wait to get you back in front of the camera next July for your anniversary photos… think Go Go Gadjet’s free to do a mini anniversary concert? 🙂 Thanks for being so much fun, so carefree and so in love… cheers to keeping the party going for many, many years to come!

What’s the one wedding trend I’ve seen more and more of lately and am very happy to have it stick around? Spaces full of character, texture, custom details and just the right amount of urban grit to keep it real… I’m talking about unique industrial wedding venues with a hint of sweet romance.

Where are all my off-beat, industrial, boho chic loving brides and couples? If you can’t get enough of the exposed brick, mixed metal, quarried stone, worn wood/concrete floors and adaptive reuse vibe, you’re going to love these new wedding venue gems! Heck, if we could get married all over again, it would absolutely be at one of these amazing spots!

These spaces are complete blank canvases waiting to have your story and personality infused into them – whether you go the minimalist route leaving them bare and raw or dress them up for a moody, luxuriously lush feel, you really can’t go wrong!!

This intimate event space is coming soon and is going to be breathtaking… just like the other incredible spaces the Church & Company team renovates and breathes new life into. Filled with exposed structure, stone walls and gorgeous views of the Jones Falls, this venue will have you constantly having to remind yourself that yes, you’re still in Baltimore… 😉 one of Charm City’s hidden gems of an event space, for sure!!

The outdoor spaces are perfect for a small ceremony in the cobblestone courtyard followed by a cocktail hour overlooking the river…

In the heart of downtown Baltimore, this large (24,000 SF!) yet flexible industrial space is currently being renovated to host weddings, intimate gatherings and innovative events. It will be available to host events starting in January 2018!

In a previous life, the space was home to the bar, Hammerjack’s. Now under new management and ownership, the space will be cleaned up and refinished, but all of the natural light pouring in from above and exposed brick walls will remain.

Working with a space of this size offers so many ways to customize your event. The building is essentially 2 large areas with separate entries off the street (great for guest arrival!) that can be divided up as necessary. You could easily have your ceremony and cocktail hour on one side and reception on the other… there are still going to be 2 bar areas, one on each side!

The photo below (left) shows the space above what would most likely be your reception. And that ‘stage’ in the right photo is the perfect ceremony spot (once repainted and cleaned up)! Think lush florals, greenery, draping… the possibilities are truly endless.

I also love that there are rooms on the upper floor that are going to be the perfect bridal suite setup – separate spaces for both the bride and groom to get ready in and not risk seeing each other, yet close enough for your photographer (heeyyyyyy!) to capture both parties easily under one roof. 😉

While touring the space as renovations were underway, I was able to head up to the outdoor rooftop area. This space while AWESOME and huge, with great views of downtown, won’t be ready to occupy right away. It’ll eventually be another unique space to take photos and maybe even have a rooftop ceremony and cocktail hour… how many other Baltimore wedding venues offer that!?!

Almost a year ago now (WHAT?!), I had the pleasure of working with Kate, the owner of Main Street Ballroom in Ellicott City, MD at an open house for her new wedding and event space. I absolutely love that the venue celebrates open, honest and friendly policies and is inclusive to all! The space is full of rustic, industrial elegance and showcases all the charm and character that is unique to historic Ellicott City: stone foundation walls, polished concrete floors, bright and elegant barn doors, shiplap walls and large, industrial corner windows – all elements that come together to create a blank slate ready for your creative vision!

…and the neutral painted exterior walls and tucked away alley street make for gorgeous portrait locations! Recently the outdoor patio was completed with a fireplace nestled against the stream that runs alongside the building… imagine a cozy fall wedding sipping hot mulled wine outside on the patio under twinkling stars and cafe lights…

This wedding and event venue just north of the heart of Baltimore is near and dear to my heart. I live a few blocks away and am amazed at the transformation it has undergone from an old car dealership to a kitchen incubator space on the ground floor (hey, B-More Kitchen friends!) and an event space up above, aptly titled the Accelerator Space!

White walls, exposed structure, original wood floors, the BEST natural light and an amazing restored machinery element hanging near the main entrance to the space are just some of the gorgeous touches found in the space. The exterior patio right off of the event space is enclosed with warm ipe wood and can easily host a small ceremony and/or your cocktail hour.

Contemporary exterior signage and blue painted brick walls form a strong wayfinding element along the side of the building and speaking of walls, my favorite wall treatment (maybe ever?) can be found on the metal feature wall within the space – restored from a local area barn, the metal panels are SO fun as a backdrop for portraits and even more amazing in person!

If you love the feel of a historic space that has been transformed with modern amenities and will allow you to craft a unique vision that will leave your guests wowed and overwhelmed by how far Baltimore has come, these 4 new spaces should be added to your list of wedding venues to consider and TOUR!

I always love when couples with a deep connection to Baltimore, return here to get married. It reminds me of our love story a bit: planning a September wedding from afar, where the main goal is for everyone to have fun!!

Mary Pat is originally from Baltimore and still has a large amount of extended family in the area. These lovebirds currently live in Boston, so when I found out they’re working with Courtney of Moore & Company Event Stylists to help execute their wedding day vision, I knew this was going to be not only a fun wedding for their guests, but a rewarding and amazing experience to be a part of as their wedding photographer!
With a love of being outdoors, Mary Pat and Jonathan’s Cylburn Arboretum engagement session was such a gorgeous location to capture their joy and adorable love! Not to mention, how amazing is Mary Pat’s coral dress?! It was the perfect pop of vibrant color among all of the light pink crepe myrtles and greenery.
Cylburn’s historic mansion is one of my favorite pieces of architecture in Charm City; both elegant and approachable, it is surrounded by the most colorful and lush gardens.I had the best time getting to know you both a bit more and love that you were such troopers as we strolled around the arboretum on one of the hottest nights of the summer! I can. not. wait. for your wedding at Frederick Douglass Maritime Park in Fells Point… kicking off the start of a busy fall wedding season at a waterfront ceremony on the pier is my kind of idea of wedded bliss!!Cheers to officially starting married life together on the water among cool breezes and golden sunsets… so honored and excited to capture your wedding day!!

I’ve been waiting (not very patiently I might add) to share this dream come true of a styled shoot with you and I’m so excited to finally show off the incredibly creative team that came together at the Accelerator Space! Ever since I stepped foot inside, I knew it would be an amazing space to capture – I couldn’t be more excited for all of the newly engaged couples that will find themselves getting married here!

Here’s a quick sneak peek for now… all of the details will be coming soon in future posts, with featured vendor spotlights so you can learn more about what makes these fabulous professionals so passionate about the work they do. Speaking of passionate entrepreneurs, if you like delicious food, don’t miss out on the goodness that is found just beneath the Accelerator Space: B-More Kitchen. Baltimore’s food incubator is just as inspiring! See more from my time with the chefs, here and here.

If the suspense is killing you, you might want to check out our ‘wild + free’ feature up on Baltimore Bride! 😉

The inspiration for this shoot came from the idea of contrasting the history and character of the previous life of the Accelerator Space as a car dealership/warehouse (mixed metals, glass, bold, clean lines) with a variety of lush, geometric greenery to balance the mixed metal elements and celebrate a late springtime love. Because if there’s one thing I can’t get enough of, it’s a combination of texture, greenery and soft romantic details!!

fun fact: Anthony is my better half in many ways, but especially when it comes to styling details, tablescapes and hand modeling!! I’m not even joking one bit.

Cheers to celebrating together in a space full of history, character, and loads of light… just like the story of the two of you.